На базе Шерпед в Техасе сносят исторический госпиталь 1963 года для модернизации территории

Former Sheppard Air Force Base hospital demolition marks end of an era “It’s definitely met its lifespan.” WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - A piece of Sheppard Air Force Base history is coming down as crews continue demolishing the former base hospital, clearing the way for future development. The military hospital, originally built in 1963, has sat decommissioned for the past four years after being replaced by the current 82nd Training Wing Medical Clinic, which opened in 2022. According to base officials, the hospital served thousands of patients each year during its decades of operation, from delivering babies to performing routine surgeries. Officials said the facility was ultimately closed because of its aging infrastructure, costly maintenance, hazardous materials such as asbestos and an outdated layout that no longer met modern medical needs. The $7.5 million demolition project includes the removal of the former hospital, surrounding clinics, parking lots and utilities, as well as the abatement of hazardous materials throughout the complex. Engineering Flight Chief Teresa Rose said demolishing a building of that age comes with unexpected challenges. “Because the facility is so old, there is a lot of things that have been done to the facility that may not be known. So as you take it down, as you do the abatement, as you find things, you have to be very meticulous about how you do this. And so to get to this stage took a lot of work in order to just bring down the facility,” Rose said. For Rose, the project is also personal as she received care in the same building as a young lieutenant. “You know, over 20 plus years ago, I was a young lieutenant in this building being serviced at the clinic. And so knowing that it was being taken down was actually good. It’s definitely met its lifespan,” Rose said. While Rose said seeing the building come down was not emotional for her, 82nd Mission Support Group Commander Col. Kenneth Rasinski said many members of the community have strong ties to the hospital. “Especially as you come from Burkburnett and you see this building for decades. And then there’s probably also the people in the community that may have been born here, had service here. But again, it brings in the new chapter, a new chapter for Sheppard Air Force Base and also for the Air Force as we get more modernized, make sure we’re getting after readiness and taking care of our airmen,” Col. Rasinski said. The demolition project began in June 2025. While crews have encountered unforeseen asbestos, utility tunnels and other issues that delayed the schedule, base officials expect demolition and site restoration to be completed in December 2026. Once the project is complete, officials said the property will remain a temporary green space until it is needed for future development. Copyright 2026 KAUZ. All rights reserved.